Lionel Messi Equals Men’s World Cup Goals Record with Stunning Hat-Trick Against Algeria
Lionel Messi achieved his inaugural World Cup hat trick and equaled Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record in front of thousands of Argentina supporters gathered at Arrowhead Stadium for a game against Algeria on Tuesday evening.
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The 38-year-old made history from the moment he entered the field at Kansas City Stadium for his 200th international match on Tuesday night.
Messi was the first player to compete in six World Cups when he was included in Argentina’s starting lineup, a record that will be matched by Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday and Guillermo Ochoa, should the Mexican veteran goalkeeper take the field during the tournament.
Lionel Messi Equals Men’s World Cup Goals Record with Sensational Hat-Trick Against Algeria
Messi scored his initial goal of the evening at 17 minutes, matching Kylian Mbappe’s 14 World Cup goals, as the French player had surpassed the Argentine just hours prior in France’s 3-1 victory against Senegal in New York.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s dream beginning to his sixth World Cup was momentarily halted when the referee disallowed his goal in the fourth minute.
Nonetheless, Messi showcased his brilliance and scored to the right of the goal after Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane provided a rebound, marking Messi’s 15th goal in the World Cup.
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Messi’s long-lasting legacy at the tournament started when he debuted in the World Cup at 18 years old in 2006, the same year that French icon Zinedine Zidane had his best performance.
The South American legend also became the initial player to net goals in five successive World Cup matches, with the most recent being just his first in the 2026 tournament.
As the defending champions kick off their campaign impressively, Messi will have a chance to break more records when Argentina faces Austria on Monday in Dallas, prior to playing Jordan in their final group match on June 27.
If Messi guides the Albiceleste to a successful title defense, he will be the first Argentinian captain to accomplish this, a feat that even the legendary Diego Maradona never achieved.
